Protect your career and our planet in the essential field of sustainability

The diverse field of sustainability is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques being developed to tackle the challenges facing the planet. As climate change continues to have extreme environmental and social effects, sustainability professionals who are up-to-date with the latest innovations will be in high demand.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in sustainability designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to contribute to a viable and equitable future for all. As a result of our lengthy history of preparing adults for constantly evolving workplaces, our sustainability courses focus on integrating social science with environmental science, to ensure you are future-fit to adapt to the expected changes and advancements in the field. You’ll learn about critical thinking, problem-solving, research and data analysis from leading experts who are engaged in cutting-edge research, have a passion for teaching, and have the experience to help you secure your career in sustainability.

Most of our students choose to study online and become members of a community of adults who bring their life and work experiences together to develop real-world networks for the future. On-campus learners can access campus accommodation, sports facilities and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.

With UNE, you’ll graduate feeling prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in sustainability, whether you wish to work with NGOs, local communities, in education, research or in a specialist role. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

Explore the sustainability courses and specialisations on offer at UNE. 

What our students say

Bachelor of Rural Science graduate Sara Paton leans over a gate on a sunny day on a rural property

Getting hands-on in the practicals, meeting students with similar passions and interesting life experiences, and getting to know our lecturers are some of the great experiences at intensive schools.

Sara Paton, graduate, Bachelor of Rural Science

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Sustainability

Prepare for increasing environmental challenges and a growing need for sustainability professionals by studying with UNE. Our courses give you the skills to make a positive impact on the world and tackle the crisis facing the planet right now. Explore our sustainability offerings now.

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Showing 110 of 29 results
Agricultural and Resource Economics
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's business experts will help you develop your skills in statistical, economic and policy analysis. Safeguard your career in the rapidly changing world of agribusiness that is increasingly focused on sustainable farming practices, natural…

UNE's business experts will help you develop your skills in statistical, economic and policy analysis. Safeguard your career in the rapidly changing world of agribusiness that is increasingly focused on sustainable farming practices, natural resource management and precision agriculture.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics Specialist Course Undergraduate
Master of Economics Major Postgraduate
Graduate Diploma in Economics Major Postgraduate
Animal Ecology
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's highly regarded zoology academics and develop the research and practical skills to prepare you for a career in the rapidly changing field of ecology. Learn about current and emerging tech advancements and changes in animal…

Benefit from UNE's highly regarded zoology academics and develop the research and practical skills to prepare you for a career in the rapidly changing field of ecology. Learn about current and emerging tech advancements and changes in animal conservation, biodiversity, and behaviour.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Zoology Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Zoology Major Undergraduate
Applied Management
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Applied Management approaches Environmental Science from a management lens, developing skills in areas such as environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, and sustainable development. Develop transferable, flexible, and in-demand skillsets to…

Applied Management approaches Environmental Science from a management lens, developing skills in areas such as environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, and sustainable development. Develop transferable, flexible, and in-demand skillsets to secure your place in the field.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Major Undergraduate
Biodiversity
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's unique location and our biodiversity experts and develop the critical analysis and complex problem-solving skills to secure your future as a scientist in the academic world. Learn to use up-to-date tools and advancing…

Benefit from UNE's unique location and our biodiversity experts and develop the critical analysis and complex problem-solving skills to secure your future as a scientist in the academic world. Learn to use up-to-date tools and advancing technology to study the planet’s changing ecosystems.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Botany
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's expert botanists and develop the critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills to secure your role in the rapidly changing world of scientific research; a field set to see vast changes as technology advances and…

Benefit from UNE's expert botanists and develop the critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills to secure your role in the rapidly changing world of scientific research; a field set to see vast changes as technology advances and the climate crisis continues.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Zoology Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Master of Scientific Studies Major Postgraduate
Graduate Diploma in Science Major Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in Science Major Postgraduate
Community Engagement and Development
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Develop the skills to help communities with their resilience and capacity for long-term sustainability with UNE's sustainability experts. Future-proof your career and the planet as those in the field shift their focus to Indigenous communities…

Develop the skills to help communities with their resilience and capacity for long-term sustainability with UNE's sustainability experts. Future-proof your career and the planet as those in the field shift their focus to Indigenous communities and enduring sustainability practices.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Sustainability Major Undergraduate
Community Planning
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Develop visions, goals and plans that make communities more liveable and sustainable with UNE's expert planners. Learn skills in social analysis, research and communication and use advancing technology and practical strategies for future…

Develop visions, goals and plans that make communities more liveable and sustainable with UNE's expert planners. Learn skills in social analysis, research and communication and use advancing technology and practical strategies for future community development in our rapidly changing world.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Conservation and Ecology
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's experienced environmental scientists will help you develop the scientific research and fieldwork skills to succeed in a career in conservation. Learn how to use up-to-date technology to analyse data and be future-fit for a changing world…

UNE's experienced environmental scientists will help you develop the scientific research and fieldwork skills to succeed in a career in conservation. Learn how to use up-to-date technology to analyse data and be future-fit for a changing world with new and ongoing environmental threats.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Major Undergraduate
Cultural Heritage Management
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's established reputation in sustainable Indigenous and public heritage management. Develop skills in research, critical thinking, emerging technology and communication while you work with communities to care for living culture…

Benefit from UNE's established reputation in sustainable Indigenous and public heritage management. Develop skills in research, critical thinking, emerging technology and communication while you work with communities to care for living culture as well as historic and archaeological heritage.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Sustainability Major Undergraduate
Earth and Environmental Science
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Ensure you are future-fit with practical and effective teaching skills ready for advancing technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s experts will help you develop your capacity to teach earth and environmental science…

Ensure you are future-fit with practical and effective teaching skills ready for advancing technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s experts will help you develop your capacity to teach earth and environmental science to secure your place in the education sector.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Education (In-service Conversion) Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching) Teaching Area Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (Secondary STEM) Teaching Area Undergraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Studies Specialist Course Undergraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Life and Earth Studies Specialist Course Undergraduate

Why study with us?

5 stars
For Overall Experience and Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Australian Universities
No. 1
For Undergraduate Student Support
Good Universities Guide 2024
Public NSW Universities
No. 1
For Postgraduate Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
NSW Universities

Careers in Sustainability

By studying sustainability with UNE, you will have the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of careers and industries requiring sustainability experts. With the need for technical expertise set to rise, professionals with skillsets in sustainability can find work in a variety of settings.

  • Sustainability consultant
    Work with organisations to develop and implement sustainability strategies and initiatives.
  • Environmental analyst
    Assess the environmental impact of projects, policies or practices, advocating for sustainability.
  • Renewable energy specialist
    Promote and develop clean and renewable energy sources.
  • Sustainability researcher
    Conduct studies and analyse data to assess sustainability challenges and propose solutions.
  • Corporate social responsibility (CSR) manager
    Work within organisations to develop and implement social and environmental sustainability initiatives.
  • Sustainable supply chain manager
    Implement environmentally and socially responsible practices throughout the supply chain.
  • Sustainable urban planner
    Plan, create and manage environmentally-friendly and liveable communities.
  • Policy analyst
    Work with government agencies, NGOs or advocacy groups to analyse, develop, and promote policies that address environmental challenges.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024

What happens next?

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1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

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2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

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3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.